After dispatching the Nanaimo Clippers in 5 games, the Kings have had a few days rest and had the opportunity to practice, restore somewhat of a routine and get set for a difficult 2nd round opponent. Who that would be, wasn’t decided until around 10:30 on Wednesday night as the Grizzlies won game 7 in double overtime over the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.

The Kings were able to use excellent goaltending as the basis for a series victory over the Nanaimo Clippers, capped off with a 5-3 victory on Monday evening in front of a loud and passionate crowd at the Hap. The series against Victoria will be a completely different style of game and one that the Kings must adapt to. The season series (9 games) was close between these two clubs…so close that the BCHL announced a 5th tiebreaker prior to the final games of the season to separate Victoria and Powell River in the standings should the points be tied. Both teams were 4-3-1-1, collecting 10 points, on the way scoring 25 goals on each other.

By the numbers, this series is also going to be a long one. The past 3 playoff series’ have all gone the distance and then some. Last year the Grizzlies eliminated the Kings in overtime of game 5 (in a best-of-five series) of the 1st round. Prior to that, a pair of 7-game Kings triumps in the mid and late 2000’s. Here’s a detailed look at the season series and recently history:

The Kings got through round 1 with no significant injuries or absences and will have a full roster to select from as the Island Division Final gets underway.

The Grizzlies are already battle tested and it’s only round 2. Victoria completed an improbable comeback in round 1 against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, who only secured their playoff appearance on the final day of the season with some help. The Grizzlies found themselves down 3 games to 1 heading into game 5 in Victoria. Not only did the Grizzlies force a 7th game but they also rallied from 4-1 down after 40 to force OT then eventually win it mid-way through the 2nd overtime.

What stuck out from that first round series was the complete 180 from the team after game 4. Alberni kept the entire Victoria team off the scoresheet for just over 132 minutes…that’s over 6 periods. That’s an impressive/concerning stat for a team that netted 212 goals (3rd overall) this regular season. However, look at the turn-around in games 5, 6 and 7. 9 goals in game 5, 3 in game 6 and 5 in game 7…this is a team that can be extremely dangerous offensively and it centres around the Fitzgeralds.

Leo (9), Myles (19) and Gerry (21) are the core of Victoria’s offence. They are point-per-game players with Myles and Gerry both in the top-3 in league scoring and Leo would have likely been up there as well had he not missed a large portion of the season due to injury. Even despite his absence, he still put up 15 points in 17 games. In the post-season. Gerry leads the way through 7 games with 9 assists, while Leo scored 3 and Myles scored 2.

Elsewhere, Jesse Schwartz was the “third triplet” in Leo’s absence and his numbers benefited a great deal. Garrett Forster has also played well against Powell River this season and scored 3 goals in the Alberni series. On the back end, Jaden Schmeisser was the game 7 hero with a pair of goals while Chris Albertini is a big physical presence that plays with an edge.

In net, Alec Dillon is 0-2 in the playoffs and the younger netminder. While I’d anticipate seeing both in the series, if round 1 is any indication, the elder Nic Renyard might have the inside lead in any pivotal games after earning all 4 victories.

If you’re so inclined, the Kings are hosting a viewing party for tonight’s game 1 at the Evergreen Theatre. Entrance is by donation to the Kings Society and they’ll be showing the game via Fast Hockey on a big screen. The event will also double as the draw for the Super 50/50, where someone can win up to $10,000. Tickets will be on sale at the beginning of the game if you haven’t gotten yours yet (they are going quick!). Doors will open around 7, face-off at 7:15.